Don’t discount Wimmer from breaking up Belgian brothers

Spurs are likely to start the season with a central defensive partnership of Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld but the Belgian duo are likely to face severe competition from their two deputies.

In Eric Dier the club has a very promising defender and new recruit Kevin Wimmer could have a similar impact on his debut season for Tottenham. This stat from WhoScored shows what an impressive campaign he had for Cologne last season in the Bundesliga.

With Spurs having pushed hard to sign Alderweireld it is Vertonghen who could be most vulnerable. His biggest weakness is his lack of leadership and simply doesn’t play with the sort of authority that you might expect from the senior member of the back four.

He will be 29 this season which isn’t old for a central defender but is getting on a bit at a club like Tottenham who prefer to take in a hefty fee for a player when they reach that sort of age.

Dier will be next in line but don’t discount the left-footed Wimmer getting plenty of action this season. His style of play is more no-nonsense that his silkier colleagues which could make for an effective contrast of styles.

Vertonghen has a saleable impact that Barcelona was interested in at one stage. With his senior position coupled with his lack of leadership quality makes him bait. A decent season could see him easily bartered over. Good business. No offence to Jan but we need to start looking for a stronger individual. So long as he maintains his current standard or better and doesn’t suffer any kind of set back, we have time to scout and debate advanced defensive techniques and strategies. ⚽️?⚽️